Colin Moulding - unsung hero

[Rayman]

Absolutely my all time favourite player, and he rarely gets any credit….. the bass lines for XTC on Drums and Wires or Black Sea, are absolutely outstanding and completely original. Nobody sounds like that…. go and listen to Roads Girdle The Globe from Drums and Wires, and give your ears a treat.

[wolfninefingers]

Totally concur.

[Dad3353]

Well, I gave it four minutes. 

[12stringbassist]

Colin Moulding is an unbelievably excellent player. XTC were fantastic at times. Some of their music is quite polarising, but at their best they were untouchable. Much missed.

[tubbybloke68]

He and Geddy Lee my biggest influences by far.XTC, a totally unique , eccentric band that sounded like no other. Amazing stuff. 

[kwmlondon]

I play Mayor Of Simpletown most days as a practise track to improve coordination between my left and right hands. I've been at it for years and still not nailed it. AND he played it on a fretless for flip's sake!!!

[lowdown]

16 hours ago, Dad3353 said:

Well, I gave it four minutes. 

 

 

 Four minutes. Blimey, how did you manage that long? Drugs?

 

[Dad3353]

17 minutes ago, lowdown said:

 Four minutes. Blimey, how did you manage that long? Drugs?

 

 

Will-power. Lots and lots of will-power. I regret it now; I won't ever get those four minutes back. 

[BassTractor]

18 hours ago, Dad3353 said:

Well, I gave it four minutes. 

IMHO, XTC are a fantastic band, and I'd expect you (with your Schubert and Magma sensitivities, a.o.) to to be more positive. 'That said, Roads Girdle the Globe', with its angularity and dissonance, may not be the best first song to hear  -  what do I know.

How about a prettier song like 'The Loving' off 'Oranges & Lemons', which is a later album?

 

 

 

or 'River of Orchids' off one of their last albums, 'Apple Venus Volume 1' ?

 

 

Edited 11 hours ago by BassTractor

[Dad3353]

25 minutes ago, BassTractor said:

...

or 'River of Orchids' off one of their last albums, 'Apple Venus Volume 1' ? ...

 

Better; much better. The sort of composition that makes sense to me; no idea concerning lyrics, though, as I'd have to follow along with the sleeve notes. I listened to the end, and will listen again with the lyrics. I hope that they're worth it. 

Edit : Acceptable, in context. Shades of 'Sting'.

Edited 10 hours ago by Dad3353

[Jean-Luc Pickguard]

The Dukes of Stratosphear stuff is pretty damn good as well

[musicbassman]

Here's a rare insight into XTC - a lengthy documentary from 1980 showing XTC recording at The Manor. (Warning: -  may contain Richard Branson now and then) Also, extra points for vintage recording equipment.

Yes, Colin Moulding was an extremely creative bass player, and I'm a big fan 👍